Red Wings Shot Down in Edmonton

By AJ Petronzi
In Play Magazine

The Detroit Red Wings just couldn’t cap off a remarkable comeback and lost 6-5 in a shootout to Edmonton.

Edmonton opened the game with goals from Jean-Francois Jacques (0:42), Dustin Penner (9:09), and Ales Hemsky (12:24). Ales Hemsky added a second goal only 58 seconds into the second period on a breakaway.

Darren Helm would net his first career regular season goal to put the Wings on the board, but Shawn Horcoff responded a couple minutes later. Then Henrik Zetterberg played some pinball and sent the Wings to the dressing room only three goals down.

Somewhere during the second intermission someone told Patrick Eaves that his career is on the line this season and he played like it from that point on, recording an assist, his first point as a Red Wing, on Jonathan Ericsson’s goal and netting the tying goal on a misplayed puck off the stick of Darren Helm. Todd Bertuzzi also scored for Detroit.

In overtime Nikolai Khabibulin stood on his head and Jimmy Howard did likewise on the opposite end of the ice. In the shootout, Patrick O’Sullivan beat Howard off the post, but Howard came up big on the first two shooters. The Wings did little in the shootout, just skating in and dumping the puck into Khabibulin without effort.

The Wings dug themselves into a hole and then got out of it. Edmonton looked like the flu began to show its effects as the team just seemed to die off halfway through the third period. Unfortunately for Detroit, Valtteri Filppula suffered a broken wrist during the game and will miss the next six to eight weeks.

In Play! Man of the Game: Patrick Eaves. Finishing the game with a goal and assist and plus-3 on the night, Eaves put to rest some of his naysayers for at least tonight.

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Red Wings and Edmonton - October 29

By AJ Petronzi
In Play Magazine

Coming off their first road win of the season, the Detroit Red Wings will play in Edmonton in an attempt to add another road win.

Edmonton, who had been producing tons of offense this season, has been shut out in their last two games. Detroit has averaged 45 shots on goal in the last two games and is looking to continue to take large numbers of shots Thursday.

Nikolai Khabibulin, who has historically struggled against the Wings, will likely start Thursday’s game for the Oilers. Jimmy Howard, who is coming off two strong performances, will start for Detroit. Detroit coach Mike Babcock stated that it had been his plan to start Howard all along and was not a response to the bad play of Chris Osgood as of late.

If Detroit plays in Edmonton like they did in Vancouver and Colorado, they will have a good shot at winning. However, they will need to make sure that Edmonton cannot break out into the offense that highlighted the beginning of their season and led to their 6-2-1 start.

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Red Wings Finally Win 5-4 On The Road

By AJ Petronzi
In Play Magazine

The Detroit Red Wings started off on the wrong foot tonight in Vancouver. Chris Osgood allowed two bad goals on 4 weak shots and was pulled. Jimmy Howard was left to pick up the pieces. Howard made several great saves and held Vancouver off long enough for Tomas Holmstrom to score a goal off a tap pass from Henrik Zetterberg late in the first period.

The second period started with a freak accident involving Vancouver forward Ryan Johnson, who tripped over himself skating around Nicklas Lidstrom and went head first into the boards. Johnson was attended to on the ice before leaving on a stretcher. Other than a fight between Brad May and Tanner Glass, the second period held a somber tone.

However, early in the third period the offense exploded with goals from Niklas Kronwall, Mathieu Schneider, and two from Pavel Datsyuk, all in the first 10 minutes of the period. On a 5 on 3 powerplay, Henrik Sedin tied the game at 4 a piece, but with 5 minutes left Jason Williams scored on the powerplay to give the Red Wings their first road victory of the season.

The Wings kept lots of pressure on Roberto Luongo who has struggled this season when facing large numbers of shots.

Good news came when it was announced that Ryan Johnson was not as badly injured as he had appeared to be after colliding with the boards.

In Play! Man of the Game: Pavel Datsyuk. Datsyuk had two goals on 4 shots and an assist. He also finished with a plus-3 on the night.

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Detroit Red Wings in Vancouver

by AJ Petronzi
In Play! Magazine

The Detroit Red Wings will face off against the Vancouver Canucks tonight in an effort to break their winless streak on the road. Vancouver has returned from a rough start and, for the second game in a row, Detroit will face off against a hot goalie.

The key for Detroit is going to be to shut down Vancouver offensively. This shouldn’t be too difficult as they have struggled in that department since losing Daniel Sedin to a broken foot. Bound to have a great game is former Red Wing Mikael Samuelsson, who currently has five goals and five assists for the Canucks, more points than any Red Wing has amassed this season.

Detroit will need to put a lot of pressure on Roberto Luongo, who was pressured heavily in Vancouver’s first two games, giving up 6 goals in each. Applying pressure tonight could give the Wings a big win on the road, and the first of their season.
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Red Wings Still Winless on the Road

AJ Petronzi
In Play! Magazine

The Detroit Red Wings lost another game to move to 0-4-1 on the road.

Detroit opened scoring in the 2nd period when Kris Draper stuffed the puck through Anderson on a backhand; it was Draper’s 150 career goal. Colorado’s Galiardi tied the game with 5 minutes left in the 2nd.

Todd Bertuzzi scored a goal, but the goal was called back by virtue of referee Brad Watson claming he intended to blow the whistle before the puck was in the net. This would have been impossible since Bertuzzi stuffed the puck straight into Anderson who was sitting inside the goal by his own free will. Watson was also involved in the bad goal called against Detroit that cost them the game in Phoenix on Thursday.

Colorado forward Chris Stewart scored a goal on Detroit goalie Jimmy Howard to give Colorado the lead. The goal would prove to be the game winner.

Detroit took the game to Colorado recording 49 shots on goal and only getting two by Anderson; one again was called back. Any other goalie in the NHL, other than Ryan Miller and Roberto Luongo, would have let far more goals in on 48 shots. Detroit failed to score a goal on eight powerplay attempts, the first time the Wings have failed to score a powerplay goal this season.

In Play! Man of the Game: Todd Bertuzzi. Bertuzzi rightfully scored a goal, but had it taken away. He also played a strong offensive and defensive game, recording 3 shots on goal, two of which were quality scoring chances resulting in a goal called back and a post hit, which actually doesn’t count as a shot on goal.

In Play! also feels obliged to acknowledge the play of Craig Anderson, who will walk away with 48 saves and a .979 save percentage.
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Red Wings’ Mile High Rematch

AJ Petronzi
In Play! Magazine

The Detroit Red Wings will meet the Colorado Avalanche in the mile high city to bring revenge for the shootout loss at the hands of the Avalanche last Saturday; only the Wings will be relying on Jimmy Howard to lead them to victory.

Howard will be getting his second start of the season, the first having come in Sweden. He hasn’t seen action since Chris Osgood what routed by the Buffalo Sabers on October 13.

Photo by Jack Rosenberg/In Play! Magazine
If Detroit wants to end this loosing streak, they’re going to have to play 55 minutes in Colorado’s zone and keep Howard from seeing more than 10 shots. Otherwise they’re going to dig themselves a hole they can’t get out of.

Good news for the Wings is that last Saturday’s villain, Cody McLeod, will not play today; it will be the second straight game missed by McLeod after being hit in the eye with a stick on Wednesday.

Red Wings Dead In The Desert

AJ Petronzi
In Play! Magazine

Detroit Red Wings forward Pavel Datsyuk stormed into Phoenix and played like he hadn’t missed the last couple games. Datsyuk dazzled the crowd with several Datsyukian moves including one on Ed Jovanovski that (to borrow a great line from Mickey Redmond) still has Jovanovski fishing his jock-strap out of the rafters.

The Red Wings continued to produce on the power play, giving them at least one in every game played this season. The Datsyuk goal was an answer to a powerplay goal scored by the Phoenix Coyotes, the first that Detroit had allowed in nine chances. A highlight real pass by Datsyuk to the tape of Brett Lebda gave him a wide open cage to hit and the Wings a 2-1 lead.

Phoenix tied the game with two and a half minutes left on a questionable goal that was reviewed. In fact both of Phoenix’s goals were reviewed, but there was no question that the first goal counted. On the second goal, Chris Osgood was pushed into the net along with the puck, but the goal stood anyway.

In overtime, Wings forward Valtteri Filppula was robbed of a breakaway when the linesman failed to get out of the way and interrupted a pass. Almost immediately afterwards, Adrian Aucoin sent a weak wrist shot at Osgood that bounced off Osgood’s right pad and stick and wound up in the net.

In Play! Man of the Game: Pavel Datsyuk! Datsyuk came back from a two missed games from injury to net two assists and a couple takeaways; though in an effort of sportsmanship, Datsyuk should help someone find Jovanovski’s jock.

What's your take?

No More Lester B Pearson Award?

AJ Petronzi
In Play! Magazine

While the Lester B. Pearson award may have a permanent residence in the personal trophy case of Alexander Ovechkin, it may not have a permanent name. There is speculation that the award may be changing names.

The reason? Toronto recently renamed its airport in honor of Pearson, who was a one of Canada’s most popular Prime Ministers. However, the National Hockey League Players Association’s (NHLPA) award may change to honor someone who had more to do with the players union.

In fact, the person who is proposed to be honored by the renaming is none other than Ted Lindsay, Hall of Fame forward for the Detroit Red Wings. Lindsay was very influential in the formation of the NHLPA, putting his career on the line to organize players to vote for its creation. The union was Lindsay’s dream and it would be fitting that its player award be named after him.

So maybe this year Ovechkin will not walk away with the Pearson Award, but very well might get the Ted Lindsay Award.

Red Wings and Avalanche go to Shootout

AJ Petronzi
In Play! Magazine

The Detroit Red Wings took an early two goal lead, but in the third relaxed and let the Colorado Avalanche back into the game.

Colorado defensemen and Windsor native Ryan Wilson, or “Willy” as his friends Jason, Kevin, Dawn and Mike call him, made his hometown début, finishing the game +1.

AJ Petronzi talks with Windsor native Avalanche Defenseman Ryan Wilson

Detroit kept to their usual “only play 40 minutes” strategy, unfortunately they chose not to give a full effort in the third period.

Cody McLeod played a great game, scoring twice in the third to force overtime.

Craig Anderson, for Colorado, and Chris Osgood, for Detroit, were stellar in overtime and took the game to a shootout.

Anderson and Osgood both were less than stellar in the shootout. Jason Williams was the only skater for Detroit that put forth an effort. In the shootout, Williams scored for Detroit, but both Marek Svatos and Milan Hejduk made great moves and the Avalanche were rewarded with the win.

Photo by Jack Rosenberg/In Play! magazine

My pick for Player of the game: Cody McLeod, Two Goals and a fight.

Also Ryan Wilson, welcome home kid.

Post game interview with Detroit Red Wings head Coach Mike Babcock after a 4-3 shootout lose to the Colorado Avalanche.



Post game interview with Detroit Red Wings Captain Nicklas lidstrom after a 4-3 shootout lose to the Colorado Avalanche.



Post game interview with Colorado Avalanche Defenseman Ryan Wilson after a 4-3 shootout win over the Detroit Red Wings.

Red Wings and Avalanche

By AJ Petronzi
In Play! Magazine

The Colorado Avalanche come to Hockeytown to face the Detroit Red Wings tonight. The Wings will not play Pavel Datsyuk on Saturday because of an upper-body injury.

While the old days of the bench emptying brawls between Colorado and Detroit are gone, the Wings need to get their season back on track and a win against Colorado, who are in 1st place in the conference, would silence a lot of critics.

Photo by Jack Rosenebrg/In Play! Magazine

Detroit, who are 3-3-0 going into tonight, have struggled on the road. With 5 away games in the next two weeks, Detroit will be looking to go into the trip above .500.

Look for Henrik Zetterberg to continue to produce offensively; he currently leads Wings with 6 points but only one goal. Also look for Kirk Maltby to be banging away for another goal; he’s off to a hot start and Kris Draper has been calling Malts “hot hands” since his goal Thursday night.

On local note...
Look for Windsor Minor Hockey Association (WMHA) graduate Ryan Wilson (#44) to suit up for the Colorado Avalanche. Wilson made his NHL debut Tuesday against the Boston Bruins.

FRANZEN UNDERGOES SUCCESSFUL SURGERY

Detroit, MI…Detroit Red Wings forward Johan Franzen today underwent successful surgery to repair the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) in his left knee. The procedure was performed by Dr. William Clancy in Birmingham, AL.

The injury occurred during the Wings’ 3-2 victory over Chicago on October 8, in which Franzen scored the game-winning goal. He is expected to be out of the lineup a minimum of four months from the date of the injury.

In Play! Magazine

Red Wings King LA

By AJ Petronzi
Blog live from JLA
In Play! Magazine

The Red Wings took out Los Angeles when they walked out to a second period lead. The Joe was rocking but again fans complained about the addition of an organ at the game. Everyone was on their feet to watch, and applaud, a video shown after Nick Lidstrom netted his 1000th career point on a shot-pass deflection from Zetterberg.

The Wings gave up a goal midway through the third, but Kirk Maltby slammed a goal home shortly after to return the goal margin to two goals. The Joe went crazy.

The Wings finished with a full ice, empty net goal by Brian Rafalski in the closing seconds. It was an exciting night at the Joe and the Wings looked more like the team that everyone is familiar with.

In Play! post game audio with Head Coach Mike Babcock




In Play!post game audio with goaltender Chris Osgood




In Play! post game audio with Red Wings Captain Niklas Lidstrom
after registering his 1000th NHL point!

Red Wings See Red In Buffalo

Anthony Petronzi
In Play! Magazine

The Detroit Red Wings decided to take a couple days off and dress a little league team to take their place for tonight’s game. Unfortunately, that’s only what it looked like.

Buffalo, who had a season total of 4 goals going into the game tonight, scored 6 against Chris Osgood and Jimmy Howard to more than double their season totals.

Osgood, who was chased from net after giving up 5 goals, was not responsible for Detroit’s troubles. The only consistency that the Wings displayed during the game was a total breakdown defensively.

The Wings need to prove themselves on the road; if they can’t, the extended road trip that begins next week is going to be a difficult one.

Detroit’s road game has been three horrifying showings; that is going to have to change if the Wings want to be around come post-season.

Darren Helm Goes Buffalo Hunting Tonight

AJ Petronzi
In Play! Magazine

The Detroit Red Wings will sit Kris Draper in order for Darren Helm to make his first appearance of the season tonight against the Buffalo Sabres. Also starting tonight is Chris Osgood, who has preformed well in the last two games.

The offensive power of Detroit will be tested against by the Sabers, who have only allowed 3 goals against this season.

Look for Detroit to put pressure on Ryan Miller, Buffalo’s goaltender. The Wings did a good job of putting Jose Theodore under pressure Saturday and it paid off with a big win.

They will likely do the same tonight.

Red Wings Cap Washington Saturday Night

By Anthony Petronzi
In Play! Magazine

Alexander Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals were topped by the goaltending of Chris Osgood and the defense of the Detroit Red Wings.

The Capitals, thanks to the Wings, have now lost three straight games, but when asked after the game, Ovechkin said he was not frustrated and that, “It happens.”

Detroit, who was playing their first game since loosing Johan Franzen to a torn ACL, did not look like a team that was concerned about offence.

The Wings are also not suffering from a lack of energy in the Joe Louis Arena. For the second game in a row, the Joe was packed and full of energy. It will be interesting to see if that energy will carry over when the Las Angeles Kings visit Thursday.

Click on links to to go to our facebook page for audio post game interviews with Jose Theodore, Brian Pothier and superstar forward Alexander Ovechkin.

Travel to Toronto With Ted Lindsay for Steve Yzerman HHOF Induction

In Play! Magazine is a proud supporter of the Red Wings Alumni Association.

FRANZEN OUT MINIMUM FOUR MONTHS WITH KNEE INJURY

Detroit, MI…Detroit Red Wings forward Johan Franzen has suffered a torn ACL in his left knee and expected to be out of the lineup a minimum of four months.

The injury occurred during last night’s 3-2 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks in which Franzen tallied the eventual game winning goal during the second period.

In Play! Magazine

Red Wings Top Blackhawks

By Anthony Petronzi

The Red Wings took the first game in the season series against the Blackhawks and the Joe Louis Arena rocked all night long.

The game started with a new hockey tradition at the Joe. The Wings are going to have an organ at games where they play original six teams; however, the organ was a bit too much.

The energy in the Joe erupted in the first period when the new Red Wings Brad May and Hawks’ Radek Smolenak had words for half the TV timeout and duked it out as soon as the puck dropped. The energy after May won the fight never died away, even after Chicago scored the first goal early in the second.

The Wings and the Hawks are going to have some good, fun to watch games this season if this game was any indicator.

In Play! Magazine

RED WINGS SIGN VETERAN LW BRAD MAY

Detroit, MI…Detroit Red Wings Executive Vice President/General Manager Ken Holland today announced the signing of forward Brad May to a one-year contract. In keeping with club policy, additional terms were not available.
May, 37, was Buffalo’s first round selection (14th overall) in the 1990 NHL Entry Draft. He has played in 1,001 career NHL games with Buffalo, Vancouver, Phoenix, Colorado, Anaheim and Toronto.

May has scored four goals and 11 assists for a total of 15 points in the last five years.

In Play! Magazine

Red Wings’ Howard…?

By: Anthony Petronzi

Many fans around Michigan are questioning the goaltending of Jimmy Howard and asking whether or not he actually deserves to be in a Red Wings uniform.

Why wouldn’t Howard deserve to play for the Wings? With all the money the Illitchs have spent on his development, he has to be tested. This is the last year of his contract, so if he doesn’t make it, he’ll be gone come the end of the year or maybe at the trade deadline.

If Howard is still struggling at the end of October, then the Wings should look at picking up a free agent like Manny Legace.

In Play! Magazine

Red Wings Fight the Good Fight

By: Anthony Petronzi

A good cause comes to Joe Louis Arena on October 10th. While the Red Wings take on Alexander Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals, the Wings will also be raising money to fight cancer off the ice.

The night’s events have yet to be released, but Coach Mike Babcock and commentators will wear the famous lavender stripped ties that have come to symbolize the Hockey Fights Cancer movement.

The NHL is hoping for fans to dig deep, and will be releasing a line of clothing in an effort to raise funds for the cause. There’s no doubt in my mind that the Wings will also be auctioning off game worn, and signed, items to support the effort.

To date, the NHL has raised over $10 million dollars to fight cancer.

In Play! Magazine

Red Wings Leave Sweden 0-2

By: Anthony Petronzi

Someone needs to tell the Red Wings that summer is over and that they aren’t playing drop-in hockey, because that’s what both Swedish games looked like.

Like Friday, the Wings came out and dominated the first period, but were nowhere to be seen afterwards.

That’s because St. Louis simply just outworked the Wings, who seemed content to give the Blues the space they needed to stickhandle with the puck and set up plays in the Wings’ zone. St. Louis, rather than let Detroit free wheel the puck, played the body and shut the Wings down inside the Blues’ Zone.

If you can’t set up plays, you won’t score many goals. The wings need to learn how to take the body, both offensively and defensively, or losing will become a theme for the season.

In Play! Magazine

Wings to Try Again in Stockholm

By: Anthony Petronzi

The Red Wings started out great in their season opener, but by the middle of the game, looked almost as shoddy as the ice conditions, which slowed the game down considerably.

There isn’t much the Wings should consider changing going into Saturday’s contest. I think the Wings are going to be in trouble if they let St. Louis control match-ups like they did in Friday’s loss.

The biggest problem for the Wings is that it looks like Derek Meech will play for Jonathan Ericsson (ankle) who left the game early. Though, if that is their biggest problem, the Wings should have high hopes for Saturday.

In Play! Magazine

Wings in Stockholm

By: Anthony Petronzi
In Play! Magazine

The Red Wings are in Stockholm and play the first of the two games with St. Louis Friday. While I do not like these European games, for the Wings or for any NHL team, many of the Red Wings seem to be excited about the opportunity.

Going into Friday’s game, Dan Rosen of NHL.com has made it clear that Andreas Lilja and Darren Helm are definite no-goes for the weekend. Lilja (post-concussion) is already on the IR and Helm (Shoulder) is likely to be joining him. The Red Wings also brought a third goalie, Daniel Larsson, as an emergency call up who will not play unless there is an injury to Chris Osgood or Jimmy Howard. Justin Abdelkader will likely as a healthy scratch.

For the Blues, Alex Pietrangelo, Cam Janssen, Derek Armstrong, and D. J. King look as if they will be scratched. Rosen doesn't give any reasons for the scratch of Janssen and Armstrong; however, Pietrangelo skated with King in practice, who is currently on the IR.

RED WINGS SIGN TATAR TO THREE-YEAR ENTRY LEVEL DEAL

…Team Also Assigns Goaltender Jordan Peace to Grand Rapids…

Detroit, MI…The Detroit Red Wings announced today that the club has signed forward Tomas
Tatar to a three-year entry level deal. In accordance with team policy, additional terms of the deal were not disclosed. The team also announced that goaltender Jordan Pearce has been assigned to Detroit’s American Hockey League affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins.

Tatar, 18, was Detroit’s second pick (second round, 60th overall) in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. The Ilava, Slovakia native appeared in two games for the Red Wings during the 2009 preseason.

Pearce, 22, was signed by Detroit to a two-year entry level deal on April 10, 2009. With the cut, Detroit’s active training camp roster stands at 38 players.

In Play! Magazine

LIDSTROM NAMED NHL PLAYER OF THE DECADE BY SPORTING NEWS

…Red Wings Team, Babcock And Holland Also Earn Honors…

Detroit, MI… Detroit Red Wings defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom, who twice in this decade has three-peated as the winner of the Norris Trophy, is Sporting News‘ NHL player of the decade. The Red Wings are SN’s NHL team of the decade. Red Wings Head Coach Mike Babcock was named NHL coach of the decade and Executive Vice President and General Manager Ken Holland was named NHL executive of the decade.

The honors are part of a 14-page tribute to the athletes, coaches and teams of the 2000s in the new issue of the magazine, which arrives this week at all Barnes & Noble, Borders and Hudson Retail outlets. SN honored one athlete in each sport and enlisted the help of teammates, coaches and legends to make a case for both the winner and runner-up.

Said former Red Wings center Steve Yzerman: “Nicklas Lidstrom won the Stanley Cup in ’02. He won the Cup in ’08. I don’t know how many Norris trophies he’s won, but throughout that entire time, throughout the entire decade, where he’s only missed a handful of games, he was the Red Wings’ best player. He’s one of the top defensemen on both ends of the rink. He’s got really good instincts, and he’s incredibly skilled. He’s a really, really intelligent hockey player. Nick is your best player in training camp. He’s your best player in preseason. He’s your best player in the regular season. He’s your best player in the playoffs. I’m not sure what else he could do.”

Lidstrom’s pick for his favorite moment of the decade? “The first thing you think of is the Stanley Cup wins, whether it’s the one in ’02 or the one (in ’08). Those two were special. In 2002, I won the Norris and Conn Smythe as well. Winning those two trophies, along with the Stanley Cup, makes that year stand out. We had a heck of a team that season. We signed Luc Robitaille, Brett Hull, Dominik Hasek—you can go down the line with the great players on that team. We had a real strong team and then lost the first two games of the playoffs against Vancouver in the first round. It was a tough playoff run, but the team responded well. We had some pressure on us, and it was gratifying to win with that team. Really gratifying..”

SN chose Lidstrom over Devils goalie Martin Brodeur. “The goaltender is the most important position for any Stanley Cup contender,” former Devils coach Larry Robinson argued. “You look at anybody who has won a Cup and you always point to the goalie. When we won in 2000, we wouldn’t have even gotten there if Marty didn’t stand on his head. He’s a terrific athlete, and he has that inner strength. The worst thing you can do is beat him because you know darn well the next game, you’re not going to come close against him. He’s the backbone of our club in Jersey. He makes the big stops, and he’s the No. 1 reason we’ve been successful. I compare him to all the great ones.”

Lidstrom also made SN’s NHL all-decade team:


FIRST
F Joe Sakic
F Jaromir Jagr
F Jarome Iginla
D Nicklas Lidstrom
D Scott Niedermayer
G Martin Brodeur


SECOND
F Sidney Crosby
F Vincent Lecavalier
F Alex Ovechkin
D Chris Pronger
D Zdeno Chara
G Jean-Sebastien Giguere


NHL

Athlete of the decade: Nicklas Lidstrom, Red Wings D, over Martin Brodeur, Devils G

Coach of the decade: Mike Babcock, Ducks/Red Wings

Team of the decade: Red Wings

Game of the decade: Game 4, 2000 Eastern Conference semifinals, Flyers 2, Penguins 1 in 5 OTs

All-decade first team: F Joe Sakic, Jaromir Jagr and Jarome Iginla; D Nicklas Lidstrom and Scott Niedermayer; G Martin Brodeur

All-decade second team: F Sidney Crosby, Vincent Lecavalier and Alex Ovechkin; D Chris Pronger and Zdeno Chara; G Jean-Sebastien Giguere

Executive of the decade: Ken Holland, Red Wings GM and executive VP

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2009 COMPUWARE NHL PREMIERE STOCKHOLM

The Detroit Red Wings and St. Louis Blues will open their seasons in Europe at the 2009
Compuware NHL Premiere Stockholm. The Red Wings and Blues will play home-and-home
games Friday, Oct. 2, and Saturday, Oct. 3, in Stockholm, Sweden at the Globe Arena.

In Play! Magazine

RED WINGS SIGN COETZEE TO THREE-YEAR ENTRY LEVEL DEAL

...Young Forward Makes Favorable Impression During Training Camp…

Detroit, MI... The Detroit Red Wings announced today that the club has signed forward Willie Coetzee to a three-year entry level contract. In accordance with team policy, additional terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Coetzee, 18, was invited to training camp on an amateur tryout. The Maple Ridge, British Columbia native spent last season playing with fellow Red Wings prospect Landon Ferraro (second round, 2009 NHL Entry Draft) on the Red Deer Rebels of the Western Hockey League. He finished the season with 18 goals and 24 assists for 42 points in 72 games. He also posted 42 penalty minutes.

In Play! Magazine

RED WINGS TRIM NINE FROM TRAINING CAMP ROSTER

Traverse City, MI…The Detroit Red Wings today trimmed nine players from its 57-man training camp roster. Seven players were assigned back to their respective junior teams while two players were released. With the cuts, Detroit’s training camp roster stands at 48 players.

Mitchell Callahan RW, 5-11, 175, Whittier, CA Assigned to juniors
Landon Ferraro C, 5-10, 165, Trail, BC Assigned to juniors
Gleason Fournier D, 6-0, 176, Ribouski, PQ Assigned to juniors
Austin Fyten LW, 6-0, 185, Sundre, AB Released
Stephen Johnston LW, 6-1, 175, Guelph, ON Assigned to juniors
Brian Lashoff D, 6-2, 185, Albany, NY Assigned to juniors
Andrej Nestrasil C, 6-2, 200, Prague, Czech Repub. Assigned to juniors
Brent Raedeke LW, 6-0, 190, Regina, SK Assigned to juniors
Chris Whitley G, 6-1, 215, Oshawa, ON Released

In Play! Magazine

RED WINGS HOST NHL PROSPECTS TOURNAMENT

Action at Centre ICE in Traverse City Begins Sunday

Detroit, MI…The Detroit Red Wings host the 2009 NHL Prospects Tournament at Centre ICE in Traverse City, MI beginning Sunday, Sept. 6.

The eight-team tournament includes the best prospects from Detroit, Dallas, Columbus, Atlanta, Carolina, St. Louis, Minnesota and the NY Rangers. The Red Wings’ roster includes 2008 1st-round draft pick, goaltender Thomas McCollum and the Wings’ first pick in the 2009 draft, center Landon Ferraro.

The tournament consists of four games on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Admission is just $5 per day. Tickets are available at the door beginning one hour before each day’s first game.

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Wings Sign The Freight Train

The Detrroit Red Wings have signed former Red Wing Todd "Freight Train" Bertuzzi to a one year deal.

Details from the Wings...

DETROIT -- The Red Wings announced today that the club has signed free agent forward Todd Bertuzzi to a one-year contract. In accordance with team policy, additional terms of the deal were not disclosed.Bertuzzi, 34, was originally a first round draft pick (23rd overall) of the New York Islanders in 1993.The Sudbury, Ontario native spent last season with the Calgary Flames where he posted 44 points (15-29—44) in 66 games.Bertuzzi returns to Detroit for the second time in his career, having played in eight regular-season games (2-2—4) and 16 playoff games (3-4—7) for the Red Wings in 2006-07 after he was acquired in a trade with the Florida Panthers.The 13-year NHL veteran has played in 859 career games, scoring 255 goals and adding 369 assists for 624 points. He has also collected 1,221 penalty minutes.

Photo by jack Rosenberg/In Play! Magazine

Sidebar: An interesting note to this photo. This was Steve Yzerman's old locker! First one nearest the Hall leading out to the Ice.

Todd Bertuzzi, Left Wing
Born Feb 2 1975 -- Sudbury, ONT
Height 6.03 -- Weight 235 -- Shoots L
Selected by New York Islanders round 1 #23 overall 1993 NHL Entry Draft

--- Regular Season --- ---- Playoffs ----
Season Team Lge GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
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1995-96 New York Islanders NHL 76 18 21 39 83 -- -- -- -- --
1996-97 Utah Grizzlies IHL 13 5 5 10 16 -- -- -- -- --
1996-97 New York Islanders NHL 64 10 13 23 68 -- -- -- -- --
1997-98 New York Islanders NHL 52 7 11 18 58 -- -- -- -- --
1997-98 Vancouver Canucks NHL 22 6 9 15 63 -- -- -- -- --
1998-99 Vancouver Canucks NHL 32 8 8 16 44 -- -- -- -- --
1999-00 Vancouver Canucks NHL 80 25 25 50 126 -- -- -- -- --
2000-01 Vancouver Canucks NHL 79 25 30 55 93 4 2 2 4 8
2001-02 Vancouver Canucks NHL 72 36 49 85 110 6 2 2 4 14
2002-03 Vancouver Canucks NHL 82 46 51 97 144 14 2 4 6 60
2003-04 Vancouver Canucks NHL 69 17 43 60 122 -- -- -- -- --
2005-06 Vancouver Canucks NHL 82 25 46 71 120 -- -- -- -- --
2006-07 Florida Panthers NHL 7 1 6 7 13 -- -- -- -- --
2006-07 Detroit Red Wings NHL 8 2 2 4 6 16 3 4 7 15
2007-08 Anaheim Ducks NHL 68 14 26 40 97 6 0 2 2 14
2008-09 Calgary Flames NHL 66 15 29 44 74 6 1 1 2 8
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NHL Totals 859 255 369 624 1221 52 10 15 25 119

WHATS YOUR TAKE?

Michael Vick Gets Second Chance, What About Rose And McLain?

This is not Hockey but I have to get this out...

Well if Michael Vick is entitled to a second chance after his conviction and incarceration at Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary, then I say it's high time to lift the ban on Pete Rose for the Baseball Hall of Fame and also give consideration to 1968 Detroit Tigers great 31-6 Denny McLain.

While Rose was not incarcerated, his betting did take place while he was managing.
As for McLain, his convictions took place after his playing days were over and had nothing to do with baseball.
Both these guys hold Major League Baseball records, yet their names elude the Hall.

What does this have to do with the way these two played the game?
Put an * next to their names. Who really cares anymore?

I think baseball needs to step down from their high and mighty throne, perched way atop the mountain that they have placed themselves on so they can watch over their flock of steroid raging, 70 home run hitting, lying to congress, ratting on each other out, 100 MPH fastball throwing...big heads.

Considering everything going on in baseball nowadays, it's pretty safe to say the entire game has been tainted so why keep up this facade with Rose and McLain.

If anything, I think it would help baseball and the Hall.

Geez, the NFL hires convicted felons. Maybe McLain might have grounds for a lawsuit for discrimination?
And let's not even get started with the NBA!

When you sit back and think about the Ray Lewis's of the NFL, the Kobe Bryant's of the NBA and the Todd Bertuzzi's of the NHL...these two rapscallions, Rose and McLain, they have paid their dues; both to baseball and society.

They have been grounded by MLB and were not allowed to play outside for the past 20 plus years.

"Come on mom...can we go outside and play now?"

In Play! Magazine

BLACK HAWKS GOLDEN BOY ARRESTED FOR ROBBERY

Chicago Blacks Hawks star forward was arrested late last night (this morning) for allegedly robbing and assaulting a cab driver in his home town of Buffalo NY.

If you scroll down to read comments left on the Newspaper's sight you will find more accounts of other shenanigans Kane and his entourage have pulled in the Windy City.
Read article

RED WINGS SIGN JASON WILLIAMS TO ONE-YEAR DEAL

Photo by jack Rosenberg/In Play! Magazine

...Veteran Forward Returns For His Second Stint In Hockeytown …

Detroit... The Detroit Red Wings announced today that the club has signed free agent forward Jason Williams to a one-year contract. In accordance with team policy, additional terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Williams, 28, was originally signed by Detroit as a free agent on September 18, 2000. In 233 games with the Red Wings between 2000-01 and 2006-07, he posted 49 goals and 67 assists for 116 points. The London, Ontario native enjoyed his best season as a professional with Detroit in 2005-06, finishing with career highs in goals (21), assists (37) and points (58).

Williams played in 80 games last season for the Atlanta Thrashers (41 games played) and the Columbus Blue Jackets (39). He finished the season with 19 goals and 28 assists for 47 points. In 376 career NHL games, Williams has 205 points (85-120—205). He also played 128 games for the Cincinnati Mighty Ducks of the American Hockey League in 2000-01 and 2001-02 under the direction of current Red Wings head coach Mike Babcock.


Jason Williams, Center
Born Aug 11 1980 -- London, ONT
Height 5.11 -- Weight 185 -- Shoots R

--- Regular Season --- ---- Playoffs ----
Season Team Lge GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2000-01 Cincinnati Mighty Ducks AHL 76 24 45 69 48 1 0 0 0 2
2000-01 Detroit Red Wings NHL 5 0 3 3 2 2 0 0 0 0
2001-02 Cincinnati Mighty Ducks AHL 52 23 27 50 27 3 0 1 1 6
2001-02 Detroit Red Wings NHL 25 8 2 10 4 9 0 0 0 2
2002-03 Grand Rapids Griffins AHL 45 23 22 45 18 15 1 7 8 16
2002-03 Detroit Red Wings NHL 16 3 3 6 2 -- -- -- -- --
2003-04 Detroit Red Wings NHL 49 6 7 13 15 3 0 0 0 2
2004-05 Assat Pori FNL 43 26 17 43 52 2 1 1 2 4
2005-06 Detroit Red Wings NHL 80 21 37 58 26 6 1 1 2 6
2006-07 Detroit Red Wings NHL 58 11 15 26 24 -- -- -- -- --
2006-07 Chicago Blackhawks NHL 20 4 2 6 20 -- -- -- -- --
2007-08 Chicago Blackhawks NHL 43 13 23 36 22 -- -- -- -- --
2008-09 Atlanta Thrashers NHL 41 7 11 18 8 -- -- -- -- --
2008-09 Columbus Blue Jackets NHL 39 12 17 29 16 4 0 1 1 2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NHL Totals 376 85 120 205 139 24 1 2 3 12

In Play! magazine

RED WINGS SIGN PATRICK EAVES TO ONE-YEAR DEAL

RED WINGS SIGN PATRICK EAVES TO ONE-YEAR DEAL
...Four-Year NHL Veteran Helps Solidify Forward Corps …

Detroit... The Detroit Red Wings announced today that the club has signed free agent forward Patrick Eaves to a one-year contract. In accordance with team policy, additional terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Originally a first round pick (29th overall) of the Ottawa Senators in the 2003 National Hockey League Entry Draft, Eaves has played in 242 career games with the Senators and the Carolina Hurricanes. He scored 20 goals in just 58 games in 2005-06, his rookie season in the NHL. Eaves followed his impressive debut with career highs in assists (18) and points (32) in 2006-07. On February 11, 2008, Eaves was dealt with Joe Corvo to the Hurricanes in exchange for Cory Stillman and Mike Commodore. In 85 games with Carolina over the past two seasons, he posted 19 points (7-12—19).

In 2005, Eaves was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Memorial Award as the top player in college hockey. He played three seasons with the Boston College Eagles of Hockey East.

Patrick Eaves, Right Wing
Born May 1 1984 -- Calgary, ALTA
Height 6.00 -- Weight 188

Selected by Ottawa Senators round 1 #29 overall 2003 NHL Entry Draft

--- Regular Season --- ---- Playoffs ----
Season Team Lge GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2000-01 U.S. National Under-18 Te NAHL 34 12 11 23 75
2001-02 U.S. Junior National Team USHL 9 1 4 5 18 -- -- -- -- --
2001-02 U.S. National Under-18 Te NAHL 8 5 3 8 37
2002-03 Boston College NCAA 14 10 8 18 61
2003-04 Boston College NCAA 34 18 23 41 66
2004-05 Boston College NCAA 36 19 29 48 36
2005-06 Binghamton Senators AHL 18 5 8 13 10 -- -- -- -- --
2005-06 Ottawa Senators NHL 58 20 9 29 22 10 1 0 1 10
2006-07 Ottawa Senators NHL 73 14 18 32 36 7 0 2 2 2
2007-08 Ottawa Senators NHL 26 4 6 10 6 -- -- -- -- --
2007-08 Carolina Hurricanes NHL 11 1 4 5 4 -- -- -- -- --
2008-09 Carolina Hurricanes NHL 74 6 8 14 31 18 1 2 3 13
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NHL Totals 242 45 45 90 99 35 2 4 6 25

In Play! magazine

RED WINGS RE-SIGN McGRATH, OULAHEN TO ONE-YEAR CONTRACTS

Detroit… Detroit Red Wings Executive Vice President/General Manager Ken Holland today announced the team has re-signed forwards Evan McGrath and Ryan Oulahen to one-year contracts. In keeping with club policy, additional terms of the contracts were not disclosed.

McGrath, 23, was Detroit’s fourth round pick (128th overall) in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. He spent the last three seasons with the Wings American Hockey League affiliate Grand Rapids Griffins, posting a career-high 47 points in 68 games this past season.

Oulahen, 24, completed his fourth season with Grand Rapids in 2008-09, recording a career high 31 points in 73 games. Oulahen was drafted by the Red Wings in the fifth round (164th overall) of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft.

In Play! Magazine

RED WINGS ANNOUNCE 2009-10 SCHEDULE

Wings Open Home Schedule vs. Chicago and Washington

Detroit, MI…The Detroit Red Wings today announced their 2009-10 schedule. The Wings open the regular season in Stockholm Sweden with a “home-and-home” series vs. the St. Louis Blues on Oct. 2 and 3. The home schedule at Joe Louis Arena begins with a pair of exciting contests against last year’s Western Conference finalists Chicago Blackhawks and last season’s Hart Trophy Winner Alexander Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals.

Following last season’s exciting Outdoor Classic at Wrigley Field on January 1st, Detroit returns to its traditional New Year’s Eve home game as the Wings host the Colorado Avalanche at Joe Louis Arena. Other highlights include a two-game rematch of the Stanley Cup Final vs. Pittsburgh (Jan. 31 at Mellon Arena and Mar. 22 at Joe Louis Arena) and a total of 15 home games on Fridays and Saturdays.

Fans can still lock in the lowest available prices for the 2009-10 season by becoming a Red Wings season-ticket holder. To select your plan, call the Ticket Sales and Service Department at 313-396-7575.

2009-10 PRE-SEASON SCHEDULE

DATE DAY OPPONENT SITE TIME (ET)
September 16 Wed. PHILADELPHIA Joe Louis Arena 7:30

18 Fri. NY RANGERS Joe Louis Arena 7:30

19 Sat. BUFFALO Joe Louis Arena 7:00

21 Mon. at NY Rangers Madison Square Garden 7:00

22 Tue. At Philadelphia Wachovia Center 7:00

25 Fri. TORONTO Joe Louis Arena 7:30

26 Sat. At Toronto Air Canada Centre 7:00

27 Sun. PITTSBURGH Joe Louis Arena 5:00

30 Wed. At Farjestads BK Karlstad, Sweden TBD



2009-10 REGULAR SEASON

DATE DAY OPPONENT SITE TIME (ET)
October 2 Fri. At St. Louis Stockholm, SWE 3:00

3 Sat. ST. LOUIS Stockholm, SWE 3:00

8 Thur. CHICAGO Joe Louis Arena 7:30

10 Sat. WASHINGTON Joe Louis Arena 7:00

13 Tue. At Buffalo HSBC Arena 7:00

15 Thur. LOS ANGELES Joe Louis Arena 7:30

17 Sat. COLORADO Joe Louis Arena 7:00



- more -



22 Thur. At Phoenix Jobing.com Arena 10:00

24 Sat. At Colorado Pepsi Center 9:00

27 Tue. At Vancouver GM Place 10:00

29 Thur. At Edmonton Rexall Place 9:30

31 Sat. At Calgary Pengrowth Saddledome 10:00

November 3 Tue. BOSTON Joe Louis Arena 7:00

5 Thur. SAN JOSE Joe Louis Arena 7:30

7 Sat. At Toronto Air Canada Centre 7:00

11 Wed. At Columbus Nationwide Arena 7:00

12 Thur. VANCOUVER Joe Louis Arena 7:30

14 Sat. ANAHEIM Joe Louis Arena 7:00

18 Wed. DALLAS Joe Louis Arena 7:30

20 Fri. FLORIDA Joe Louis Arena 7:30

21 Sat. At Montreal Bell Centre 7:00

23 Mon. At Nashville Sommet Center 6:00

25 Wed. ATLANTA Joe Louis Arena 7:30

27 Fri. CALGARY Joe Louis Arena 7:30

28 Sat. At St. Louis Savvis Center 8:00

30 Mon. DALLAS Joe Louis Arena 7:30

December 3 Thur. EDMONTON Joe Louis Arena 7:30

5 Sat. At New Jersey Prudential Center 7:00

6 Sun. At NY Rangers Madison Square Garden 7:00

9 Wed. ST. LOUIS Joe Louis Arena 7:30

11 Fri. ANAHEIM Joe Louis Arena 7:30

12 Sat. At Nashville Sommet Center 8:00

14 Mon. PHOENIX Joe Louis Arena 7:30

17 Thur. TAMPA BAY Joe Louis Arena 7:30

19 Sat. At Dallas American Airlines Center 3:00

20 Sun. At Chicago United Center 7:00

23 Wed. CHICAGO Joe Louis Arena 7:30

26 Sat. COLUMBUS Joe Louis Arena 7:00

28 Mon. At Columbus Nationwide Arena 7:00

31 Thur. COLORADO Joe Louis Arena 7:00

January 2 Sat. At Phoenix Jobing.com Arena 8:00

5 Tue. At Anaheim Honda Center 10:00

7 Thur. At Los Angeles Staples Center 10:30

9 Sat. At San Jose HP Pavilion 10:30

12 Tue. At NY Isanders Nassau Coliseum 7:00

14 Thur. CAROLINA Joe Louis Arena 7:30

16 Sat. At Dallas American Airlines Center 2:00

17 Sun. CHICAGO Joe Louis Arena 3:00

19 Tue. At Washington Verizon Center 7:00

21 Thur. At Minnesota Excel Energy Center 8:00

23 Sat. LOS ANGELES Joe Louis Arena 7:00

26 Tue. PHOENIX Joe Louis Arena 7:30

27 Wed. At Minnesota Excel Energy 8:00

29 Fri. NASHVILLE Joe Louis Arena 7:30

31 Sun. At Pittsburgh Mellon Arena 3:00



- more -






February 2 Tue. At San Jose HP Pavilion 10:30

3 Wed. At Anaheim Honda Center 10:00

6 Sat. At Los Angeles Staples Center 4:00

9 Tue. At St. Louis Savvis Center 8:00

11 Thur. SAN JOSE Joe Louis Arena 7:30

13 Sat. OTTAWA Joe Louis Arena 7:00

OLYMPIC BREAK

March 1 Mon. At Colorado Pepsi Center 9:00

3 Wed. VANCOUVER Joe Louis Arena 7:30

5 Fri. NASHVILLE Joe Louis Arena 7:30

7 Sun. At Chicago United Center 7:00

9 Tue. CALGARY Joe Louis Arena 7:30

11 Thur. MINNESOTA Joe Louis Arena 7:30

13 Sat. BUFFALO Joe Louis Arena 7:00

15 Mon. At Calgary Pengrowth Saddledome 9:30

19 Fri. At Edmonton Rexall Place 9:00

20 Sat. At Vancouver GM Place 10:00

22 Mon. PITTSBURGH Joe Louis Arena 7:00

24 Wed. ST. LOUIS Joe Louis Arena 7:30

26 Fri. MINNESOTA Joe Louis Arena 7:30

27 Sat. At Nashville Sommet Center 8:00

30 Tue. EDMONTON Joe Louis Arena 7:30

April 1 Thur. COLUMBUS Joe Louis Arena 7:30

3 Sat. NASHVILLE Joe Louis Arena 2:00

4 Sun. At Philadelphia Wachovia Center 3:00

7 Wed. COLUMBUS Joe Louis Arena 7:30

9 Fri. At Columbus Nationwide Arena 7:00

11 Sun. At Chicago United Center 3:00

In Play! magazine

RED WINGS ANNOUNCE 2009-10 PRE-SEASON SLATE

Photo by Jack Rosenberg

Eastern Conference Preseason Slate Has Flyers, Rangers, Sabres, Leafs and PenguinsVisiting Joe Louis Arena

Detroit, MI…The Detroit Red Wings today announced their return to the ice with their 2009-10 pre-season schedule. Eight of the nine preseason opponents are from the Eastern Conference including the Philadelphia Flyers, New York Rangers and defending Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins.

The Wings continue to fly east for their ninth and final preseason contest when the Wings travel to Karlstad, Sweden to take on the defending champions of the Swedish Elite League, Farjestads BK.

On-sale dates for individual pre-season games have not been announced.

2009-10 PRE-SEASON SCHEDULE
DATE DAY SITE TIME (ET)
September 16 Wed. PHILADELPHIA Joe Louis Arena 7:30
18 Fri. NY RANGERS Joe Louis Arena 7:30
19 Sat. BUFFALO Joe Louis Arena 7:00
21 Mon. at NY Rangers Madison Square Garden 7:00
22 Tue. At Philadelphia Wachovia Center TBD
25 Fri. TORONTO Joe Louis Arena 7:30
26 Sat. At Toronto Air Canada Centre 7:00
27 Sun. PITTSBURGH Joe Louis Arena 5:00
30 Wed. At Farjestads BK Karlstad, Sweden TBD

In Play! magazine

RED WINGS TO HOLD DEVELOPMENT CAMP AT JOE LOUIS ARENA …Six 2009 NHL Entry Draft Picks To Attend…

Detroit… The Detroit Red Wings will hold their annual summer development camp July 6-12 at Joe Louis Arena. This year’s camp features a roster of 32 players (18 Red Wings prospects, 14 invitees) including six of the Wings’ seven selections from this year’s NHL Entry Draft – Landon Ferraro (2nd round, 32nd overall), Tomas Tatar (2nd round, 60th overall), Andrej Nestarsil (3rd round, 75th overall), Gleason Fournier (3rd round, 90th overall), Nick Jensen (5th round, 120th overall) and Mitchell Callahan (6th round, 150th overall). This year’s draft class will join additional Red Wings prospects and camp invitees for a week of practice, skill development, and strength/conditioning training. All practices are closed to the public. Media availability will follow each morning on-ice session. Media wishing to attend the camp should enter Joe Louis Arena through the east ground-level entrance.

2009 Detroit Red Wings Development Camp

Monday, July 6 - players arrive (evening)

Tuesday, July 7 – Saturday, July 11

8:30 – 9:15am – Skill Development

9:15 – 9:45am – Power Skating

9:45 – 10:00am – Flood

10:00 – 10:45am – Practice

10:45am – Media Availability – DRW Locker Room

Sunday, July 12

8:30 – 10:00am – On-Ice Workout and Skills Competition

10:00am – Media Availability


Sw# Player Pos DOB Notes

36 Jordan Pearce G 10/10/86 Signed to two-year entry level deal

38 Thomas McCollum G 12/7/89 1st round (30th overall) in 2008

47 Mitchell Callahan F 8/17/91 6th round (150th overall) in 2009

49 Brian Lashoff D 7/16/90 Signed to three-year entry level deal

50 Brendan Smith D 2/8/89 1st round (27th overall) in 2007

54 Gleason Fournier D 9/8/91 3rd round (90th overall) in 2009

56 Bryan Rufenach D 4/15/89 7th round (208th overall) in 2007

57 Max Nicastro D 3/2/90 3rd round (91st overall) in 2008

59 Nick Oslund F 11/15/87 7th round (191st overall) in 2006

60 Nick Jensen D 9/21/90 5th round (120th overall) in 2009

61 Landon Ferraro F 8/8/91 2nd round (32nd overall) in 2009

62 Brent Raedeke F 5/29/90 Signed to three-year entry level deal

63 Jesper Samuelsson F 6/13/88 7th round (211th overall) in 2008

64 Gustav Nyquist F 9/1/89 4th round (121st overall) in 2008

65 Julien Cayer F 7/6/89 5th round (151st overall) in 2008

67 Tomas Tatar F 12/1/90 2nd round (60th overall) in 2009

68 Andrej Nestrasil F 2/22/91 3rd round (75th overall) in 2009

71 Stephen Johnston F 2/24/90 6th round (181st overall) in 2008

In Play! magazine

RED WINGS TO WORK OUT NEW LEASE ON JOE LOUIS ARENA

Olympia Entertainment and City of Detroit Working to
Develop New Lease for Joe Louis Arena

Olympia Entertainment returns Cobo Arena to City of Detroit,
which should assist officials in their efforts to keep Auto Show in Detroit

DETROIT – Olympia Entertainment today informed the City of Detroit via personal phone call and hand-delivered letter that, pursuant to the terms of its current lease, Olympia Entertainment will not exercise its option to extend the current lease on the Joe Louis and Cobo Arenas for an additional 20 years. The current lease, which covers both arenas, expires on June 30, 2010, and automatically renews for 20 years if Olympia Entertainment did not notify the City of its decision on the option by June 30, 2009. Olympia’s decision to not extend the current lease returns Cobo Arena to the City of Detroit and should assist officials in their efforts to keep the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. This action also allows Olympia Entertainment and the City of Detroit to continue work on a new lease specifically for Joe Louis Arena.

“The existing lease was crafted more than three decades ago by individuals no longer associated with either Olympia Entertainment or the City,” said Christopher Ilitch, president and CEO of Ilitch Holdings, Inc. “It does not fully contemplate one: the evolution of the sports and entertainment industry; two: the current economic environment in which both the City and Olympia Entertainment are operating and; three: the infrastructure replacement and repair needs of a 30-year-old building in order to meet the competitive industry standards of today.

“Furthermore, we have been and continue to be very supportive of keeping the Auto Show in Detroit and this is one way we think our organization can help meet that objective. We believe that any economic benefit to Olympia Entertainment by continuing to operate Cobo Arena in the future is outweighed by the potential that a positive resolution on the Cobo issue will have for the region and state.

“Due to these very important factors, we have been working constructively with the City over the course of the past year on a new lease specifically for Joe Louis Arena. To date, an agreement has not been finalized and today’s action is simply a necessary step in the process as we continue to work together to develop a new lease.

“Detroit is our hometown and we have a strong desire to stay here. We remain confident that we can reach a satisfactory agreement that should not only enhance the sporting and entertainment experience for patrons of the facility, but will lead to additional economic benefit for the region and the potential for additional job creation as the facility attracts more events and performances.”

About Joe Louis Arena
Joe Louis Arena was built by the City of Detroit and opened in 1979. Michael and Marian Ilitch purchased the Detroit Red Wings and the company currently known as Olympia Entertainment in 1982. Olympia Entertainment leases Joe Louis Arena from the City of Detroit, which owns the building. Joe Louis Arena is currently the fourth oldest arena in the NHL. It is home to the 11-time Stanley Cup Champion Detroit Red Wings and host to major artists and performers for concerts and other entertainment events. The Detroit Red Wings will play the 2009-2010 season at Joe Louis Arena.

About Cobo Arena
Cobo Arena opened in 1960 and has a seating capacity of 12,000. It has a storied history of hosting memorable sporting, concert and entertainment events, including being the home of the Detroit Pistons from 1961 - 1978. In addition, it is widely recognized as having some of the best acoustics in the industry and many notable artists like Bob Seger, Ted Nugent, and Madonna have recorded live concert albums at Cobo Arena. Olympia Entertainment has leased Cobo Arena from the City of Detroit, which owns the building, since 1982. For nearly three decades, it has been successful and an important part of Olympia Entertainment’s venue mix, rounding out its spectrum of venues ranging from 300 – 40,000 seats.

In Play! magazine

Detroit Red Wings Youth Hockey Camp

Toronto Lake Raiders vs Michigan Mustangs

Come see Wheelchair PowerHockey at it's finest in this Best of 3 Series, as the Mustangs prepare to compete in North Carolina.

Toronto Lake Raiders vs Michigan Mustangs

Saturday, June 27
11am - 5pm

Westland Bailey Center
36651 Ford Road
Westlannd, MI, 48185

DIRECTIONS

Entrance is FREE, Donations appreciated.

All proceeds go towards the Mustangs costs of traveling to North Carolina July 17-20.

For more information click here

Drew Lane Sports blogs

Great news for WRIF and for the rest of us waiting to hear Drew's voice in the morning!

Here is a collection of blogs that Drew has written for In Play! magazine current issue, most are sports related, some are Detroit City council, Martha Reeves and Kwame.

Anyway, if you didn't get a chance to read Drew's blogs the first time, here they are again...enjoy!
DREW LANE - THE BRETT FAVRE SAGA
DREW LANE - KWAME KILPATRICK AT THE WINGS RALLY
DREW LANE - PISTONS
DREW LANE - THE LIONS...WOE IS DETROIT
DREW LANE - Knock It Off Martha Reeves!
DREW LANE - AIG Bailout Bonuses
DREW LANE - Random Thoughts 1
DREW LANE - Izzo...not just a “Good tournament coach”
DREW LANE - Random Thoughts 2
DREW LANE - Bobby Ferguson Still Has Fans
DREW LANE - Kwame Keeps it Coming

HOCKEY HALL OF FAME ANNOUNCES 2009 INDUCTEES

TORONTO (June 23, 2009) – Bill Hay, Chairman of the Hockey Hall of Fame’s Board of Directors, Jim Gregory and Pat Quinn, Co-Chairmen of the Hockey Hall of Fame’s Selection Committee, announced today that Brett Hull, Brian Leetch, Luc Robitaille and Steve Yzerman have been elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in the Player Category. In the Builder Category, Lou Lamoriello was elected. The vote took place today at the annual meeting of the Selection Committee in Toronto.

“The Hockey Hall of Fame is proud to welcome these five hockey legends as Honoured Members,” said Jim Gregory. “Their contributions to the game of hockey are well documented and their election to the Hockey Hall of Fame is richly deserved.”

A native of Belleville, Ontario, Brett Hull played college hockey for two seasons at the University of Minnesota Duluth, before embarking on his professional career in 1986. Hull played 19 NHL seasons, winning Stanley Cups with Detroit and Dallas. A three-time first team NHL All-Star, along with his father Bobby, he is the only NHL father-son duo to each record 600 goals and 1,000 career points.

“It is hard to put into words what this means to me; especially since I’m joining my father in the Hockey Hall of Fame,” said Hull. “Simply getting to the NHL was a challenge for me, and I would like to thank all of my supporters who made many sacrifices on my behalf.”

Brian Leetch played his collegiate hockey at Boston College and was drafted in the first round (9th overall) in 1986. He turned pro with the Rangers in 1987 and went on to play 18 NHL seasons, winning the James Norris trophy twice. Leetch was a key member of the Rangers’ 1993-94 Stanley Cup winning team and became the first U.S. born player to win the Conn Smythe Trophy as the NHL’s playoff MVP.

“I am humbled and excited by this honour, particularly since for me it is difficult to think of myself as a member of the Hall of Fame,” said Leetch. “My hockey career has been a long and enjoyable process. I am appreciative of all those who have helped me. From my father as my youth coach, to Mark Messier who helped me out so much -- both on and off the ice surface.”
Luc Robitaille played his Junior hockey in Hull, Quebec under the tutelage of Pat Burns. A late selection (9th round) of the Los Angeles Kings in 1984, he went on to win the Calder Trophy in his rookie season in 1987. He played 19 NHL seasons, ranking 10th amongst NHLers all time in scoring and his eight 40+ goal seasons are only surpassed by Wayne Gretzky and Mike Bossy.

“My goal was always just to play in the NHL and I never dreamed of anything beyond that,” said Robitaille. “To be honoured in the same room as The Rocket, Guy Lafleur and Wayne Gretzky is a tremendous honour.”

Steve Yzerman was selected 4th overall by the Detroit Red Wings in the 1983 Entry Draft and went on to play 22 seasons for the Wings. The longest serving team captain in Red Wings history (1986 until 2006), Yzerman holds numerous team records, led the team to three Stanley Cups and was a member of Canada’s gold medal winning Olympic team in 2002.

“It is a tremendous honour to receive this news,” said Steve Yzerman. “I want to thank the Selection Committee for recognizing my contributions – I truly had chills down my spine when I got the news.”

In the Builder Category, long-time New Jersey Devils General Manager, Lou Lamoriello was honoured for his over 40 years of contributions to the game – both at the collegiate and NHL levels. Under his leadership the Devils have won three Stanley Cups: in 1995, 2000 and 2003.

“This award is completely unexpected,” said Lamoriello. “Over my career I have been fortunate to have been associated with great players and coaches, and this award recognizes their contributions to my career.”

The 2009 Induction Celebration will be held on Monday, November 9th at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto. For more information regarding the 2009 Induction Weekend/Celebration, visit http://www.hhof.com.

Established in 1943, the Hockey Hall of Fame is a museum and place of entertainment offering state-of-the-art multimedia presentations and exhibits from its premises at Brookfield Place, Toronto, Canada. Its mandate is to recognize and honour the achievements of individuals who bring special distinction to the game of hockey, and to collect and preserve objects, images and resource materials connected with the game as it is played in Canada and throughout the world.

BRETT HULL
· Born August 9, 1964 in Belleville, Ontario
· Holds BCHL record for most goals in a season with 105, set in 1983-84; Penticton Knights
· On scholarship at the University of Minnesota-Duluth, was named the WCHA Freshman of the Year (1985) and a WCHA First-Team All-Star (1986)
· Picked 117th overall, as the Calgary Flames’ 6th choice, in the 1984 NHL Entry Draft
· Member of the AHL’s First All-Star Team and the Dudley "Red" Garrett Memorial Award as the League’s Rookie of the Year in 1987 while playing with the Moncton Golden Flames
· 19 NHL Seasons played with the Calgary Flames, St. Louis Blues, Dallas Stars, Detroit Red Wings, Phoenix Coyotes
· Three-time NHL First-Team All-Star (1990, 1991, 1992)
· 8 NHL All-Star Games Played (1989, 1990, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 2001)
· Lady Byng Memorial Trophy (1990)
· Lester B. Pearson Award winner, Hart Memorial Trophy winner (1991)
· 5th Player in NHL history to record 50 goals in 50 games or less, behind Gretzky, Richard, Bossy, Lemieux.
· Served as captain of the St. Louis Blues 1992-95;
· Recorded three consecutive 70-goal seasons 1989-90, 1990-91, 1991-92, including a career-high 86 goals in 1991
· Led the St. Louis Blues in goals 1988-89 to 1996-97; points 1988-89 to 1991-92, and 1994-95 to 1997-98; power-play goals 1988-89 to 1997-98
· Holds records as the St. Louis Blues’ all-time leader in regular season goals (527), hat tricks (27), game-winning goals (701), power-play goals (195), and shots on goal (3,367)
· Holds records as the St. Louis Blues’ all-time leader for most goals (86) and points (131), power play goals (29) in one season; most 30+ goal (8), most 40+ goal (8), and most 50+ goal seasons (5)
· Holds records as the St. Louis Blues’ all-time leader in playoff games played (102), playoff goals (67), points (117), and game-winning goals (15).
· Recorded 100+ points on 4 occasions (1990, 1991, 1992, 1993)
· Along with his father, Bobby Hull, became the only NHL father-son duo to each record 1000 career points (1995-96)and 600 career goals (1998-99)
· His 24 career playoff game-winning goals are tied with Gretzky for the most in NHL history
· Ranks 3rd in NHL regular season career goals (741) behind Wayne Gretzky and Gordie Howe
· Ranks 3rd in the NHL for most goals, including playoffs (844), and most goals, one season (86)
· Two Stanley Cup championships; Dallas Stars, 1999, Detroit Red Wings, 2002
· Represented the USA at two Olympic Winter Games (1998, 2002 - silver), two World Cups (1996 - gold, 2004 - bronze), at the 1991 Canada Cup (runners-up), and the 1986 IIHF World Championship.
· NHL Regular Season Career: 1269 games played, 741 goals, 650 assists, 1391 points
· NHL Playoff Career: 202 games played, 103 goals, 87 assists, 190 points
· Retired from NHL play; October 16, 2005
· Sweater number (#16) retired by the St. Louis Blues in 2006
· Inducted into the United States Hockey Hall of Fame, 2008
· Currently serves as the Co-General Manager of the Dallas Stars


BRIAN LEETCH
· Born March 3, 1968 in Corpus Christi, Texas
· Played NCAA hockey at Boston College where he was named a Hockey East First All-Star Team, Hockey East Rookie of the Year, Hockey East Player of the Year, NCAA East First All-American Team, and a Hobey Baker Award finalist, 1987
· Picked 9th overall in the 1986 NHL Entry Draft by the New York Rangers
· 18 NHL seasons played with the New York Rangers, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Boston Bruins
· Two-time James Norris Memorial Trophy winner (1992, 1997)
· Calder Memorial Trophy Winner and NHL All-Rookie Team, 1989
· Lester Patrick Award Winner, 2007
· NHL First All-Star Team: 1992, 1997
· NHL Second All-Star Team: 1991, 1994, 1996
· Nine NHL All-Star Games Played (1990, 1991, 1992, 1994, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2002)
· Served as Captain of the New York Rangers 1997-2000
· Holds New York Rangers records for most career goals (240), assists (741), most assists in a season (80), most points by a defence-man (981), and most assists by a defence-man in one season (102)
· Ranks 2nd among Rangers all-time points leaders (981), games played (1129), and points by a rookie (71)
· Holds NHL Record for most goals by a rookie defence-man in one season with 23 (1988-89), and ranks 2nd in the league for most points by a defence-man in one season with 71
· Marked his 1000th point on October 18, 2005 while playing for the Boston Bruins
· 1 Stanley Cup Championship; 1993-94 New York Rangers
· Became the first U.S. born player to win the Conn Smythe Trophy in 1994, after leading the league in playoff scoring
· Represented the U.S.A. on three occasions at the Winter Olympic Games (1988, 1998, 2002), serving as team captain of the 1988 team, and a silver medal performance at the 2002 Olympics
· Represented his native U.S.A. at three IIHF World Junior Championships (1985-87) where he was named to the 1987 First All-Star Team; two IIHF World Championships (1987, 1989); two World Cups (1996, 2004), and at the 1991 Canada Cup
· One of 12 players to be named to the All-Time USA Hockey Team, 1997
· NHL Regular Season Career: 1205 games played, 247 goals, 781 assists, for 1028 points
· NHL Playoff Career: 95 games played, 28 goals, 69 assists, 97 points
· Announced his retirement from NHL play; May 24, 2007
· Sweater number (#2) retired by the New York Rangers; January 24, 2008
· Inducted into the United States Hockey Hall of Fame, 2008


LUC ROBITAILLE
· Born on February 17, 1966 in Montreal, Quebec
· As a member of the Hull Olympiques, was named to the QMJHL Second All-Star Team in 1985
· Was named to the QMJHL First All-Star Team, Memorial Cup Tournament All-Star Team, 1986
· Canadian Major Junior Player of the Year, 1986
· Picked 171st overall, as the Los Angeles Kings’ 9th choice, in the 1984 NHL Entry Draft
· 19 NHL seasons played with the Los Angeles Kings, Pittsburgh Penguins, New York Rangers, Detroit Red Wings
· Calder Memorial Trophy winner and NHL All-Rookie Team, 1987
· Represented Canada on three occasions: silver medalist at the 1986 IIHF World Junior Championship, 1991 Canada Cup champion, and gold medalist at the 1994 IIHF World Championship where Robitaille recorded the championship-winning goal
· Five-time NHL First Team All-Star (1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1993)
· Three-time NHL Second Team All-Star (1987, 1992, 2001)
· Eight NHL All-Star Games Played (1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1999, 2001)
· Served as co-captain of the Los Angeles Kings 1992-93 with Gretzky
· Holds Los Angeles Kings records for most career goals (557), and most points by a rookie(84), 1986-87
· Holds NHL record for most career goals (668), career points (1394), and points in a single season (125, 1992-93) by a Left Winger
· Ranks 2nd among NHL Left Wingers for goals in one season (63), and career assists (726)
· Ranks 10th among NHL All-Time Goal Scoring Leaders (668)
· Ranks 19th among All-Time Points Leaders (1394) and Games Played (1431)
· Recorded the third-most consecutive 40+ goal seasons (8) behind Gretzky and Bossy
· As a member of the Los Angeles Kings, marked his 500th career goal (Jan. 7, 1999) to become the 6th Left Winger in League history to reach that plateau
· Marked his 1,000th career point Jan. 29, 1998 as a Los Angeles King
· One Stanley Cup championship with Detroit Red Wings, 2002
· NHL Regular Season Career: 1431 games played, 668 goals, 726 assists, 1394 points
· NHL Playoff Career: 159 games played, 58 goals, 69 assists, 127 points
· Retired from NHL play; April 17, 2006
· Sweater number (#20) was retired by the Los Angeles Kings in 2007
· Currently serves as President, Business Operations, Alternate Governor for the Los Angeles Kings


STEVE YZERMAN
· Born on May 9, 1965 in Cranbrook, British Columbia
· Picked 4th overall in the 1983 NHL Entry Draft by the Detroit Red Wings
· 22 NHL seasons played with the Detroit Red Wings
· In his Rookie year, set Detroit records for goals (37) and points (87) for a rookie; he became the youngest player to play in the NHL All-Star Game (age 18), was runner-up to the Calder Trophy, and was named to the NHL’s All-Rookie Team (1984)
· Served as Captain of the Red Wings 1986-2006, the youngest player to be named Detroit’s Captain (age 21), and the longest-serving Captain in League history
· Holds Red Wings records for most career assists (1063), most goals in one season (65), most assists in one season (90), most points in one season (155)
· Lester B. Pearson Award (1989)
· Conn Smythe Trophy (1998)
· Frank J. Selke Trophy (2000)
· Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy (2003)
· Lester Patrick Trophy (2007)
· Nine NHL All-Star Games played (1984, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1997, 2000)
· Six 100+ point seasons (1987-93), and five 50+ goal seasons (1987-91 and 1992-93)
· Finished in the League’s top ten in scoring 6 times
· Ranks 5th in the NHL for all-time most career points, including playoffs (1940); most career goals (692), assists (1063), and points (1755) by a Centre
· Ranks 8th in the NHL among all-time top goal-scoring leaders (692); 7th among all-time assists leaders (1063); 6th among all-time point scorers (1755); and 11th among all-time games-played leaders (1514)
· Marked his 500th career goal on Jan. 17, 1996 vs. Colorado Avalanche, and his 1000th NHL point on Feb. 24, 1993 vs. Buffalo Sabres
· 20 NHL post-season appearances
· Three Stanley Cup championships with the Red Wings (1997, 1998, 2002),
· Represented Canada on multiple occasions: bronze medalist at the 1983 IIHF World Junior Championship; champion at the 1984 Canada Cup; silver medalist at the 1996 World Cup; 3 appearances at the IIHF World Championship (1985 – silver medalist, 1989 – silver medalist, 1990); two-time Olympian (1998, 2002 – gold medalist)
· Named the 1990 IIHF World Championship Best Forward
· NHL Regular Season Career: 1514 games played, 692 goals, 1063 assists, 1765 points
· NHL Playoff Career: 196 games played, 70 goals, 115 assists, 185 points
· Retired from NHL play; July 3, 2006
· Sweater number (#19) was retired by the Detroit Red Wings; January 2, 2007
· Currently serves the Detroit Red Wings as Vice-President, Hockey, and as General Manager of Team Canada for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games.


LOU LAMORIELLO
· Born October 21, 1942 in Providence, Rhode Island
· Attended Providence College and then continued on as a Coach and Athletic Director (1967-1987) 15 years as a Coach, 5 years as Athletic Director
· Captained both hockey and baseball teams while an undergraduate
· Played, coached and managed in the Cape Cod Baseball League
· Served as an assistant coach for four years at Providence immediately following graduation – in both hockey and baseball
· Served as a member of Big East Conference Television Committee and NCAA Professional Sports Committee
· One of the co-founders of the Hockey East Association
· Served as Commissioner of Hockey East from 1983-1987
· Lamoriello Cup has served as Hockey East’s Championship award since 1989
· Became the New Jersey Devils President in April 1987 and assumed dual role as President and General Manager prior to the 1987-88 training camp; a position he has held for 21 seasons
· Has assumed role of Head Coach of the Devils twice during his tenure: December 19, 2005 through the 2006 Playoffs and from April 2, 2007 through the 2007 Playoffs
· Won the Stanley Cup three times – 1995, 2000 and 2003
· Led Albany River Rats to the AHL Calder Cup Championship in 1995; became the first club since the 1976-77 season to win dual NHL/AHL championships
· A member of the NHL Board of Governor Executive Committee and a member of the General Managers’ Steering Committee
· Served as General Manager of Team USA during the 1996 World Cup of Hockey and the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics
· Over last 13 seasons with New Jersey, the Devils had had ten 100 point seasons and have won 4 Eastern Conference and 7 Atlantic Division championships
· Inducted into the Providence College Athletic Hall of Fame in 1982
· Named winner of the Lester Patrick Trophy in 1992
· Named recipient of the 2000 Unico National Vince Lombardi Award for Professional Sports Achievement
· Received Honorary Doctorate Degree from Providence College in 2001
· Inducted into New Jersey Sports Hall of Fame in 2002
· Received Ellis Island Medal of Honor, May 2003
· Inducted into the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame and the LaSalle Academy (Rhode Island) Hall of Fame in 2004
· Member of the Board of Directors of the Yogi Berra Museum since 2006
· Currently also holds title of CEO, as well and President and General Manager

Yzerman, Hull, Robitaille, Leetch get Hall of Fame

Tuesday, 06.23.2009 / 4:11 PM /
Associated Press

Steve Yzerman, Brett Hull, Luc Robitaille and Brian Leetch are going into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

The selection committee announced on a conference call Tuesday it had elected the maximum four players this year. All were eligible for the first time.

Yzerman retired in the summer of 2006 with the sixth-highest point total in NHL history. The longtime Detroit Red Wings captain won the Stanley Cup three times and a gold medal with Canada in the 2002 Olympics.

Hull's 741 goals rank third all-time, Robitaille's 668 are the most by a left wing and Leetch is one of just five defensemen to have a 100-point season.

A player must be retired for three seasons before becoming eligible to enter the Hall. The induction ceremony will be Nov. 9.

New Jersey Devils president Lou Lamoriello was also elected in the builder category.

Yzerman, Hull and Robitaille won a Stanley Cup together with the Detroit Red Wings in 2002.

Hull retired in 2005 after a 19-year career with the Calgary Flames, St. Louis Blues, Dallas Stars, Red Wings and Phoenix Coyotes. He scored 86 goals in 1991 and received the Hart Trophy as league MVP.

His 741 goals trail only Wayne Gretzky and Gordie Howe. His 24 career playoff game-winning goals are tied with Gretzky for the most in NHL history. He scored the Stanley Cup-winning goal for the Stars in the third overtime of Game 6 of the 1999 finals.

He's now the Stars' executive vice president.

Leetch became the first American-born player to earn the Conn Smythe Trophy after leading the New York Rangers to the Stanley Cup in 1994. He also twice won the Norris Trophy as the league's top defenseman.

Robitaille received the Calder Trophy as the league's top rookie in 1987.

At least 14 of the Hall's 18-member selection committee must vote for a player for him to be elected.

BYLSMA, HOLLAND NAMED COACH, GM OF THE YEAR

TORONTO – Dan Bylsma’s incredible and improbable run to a Stanley Cup has earned him the NHL coach of the year award as selected by The Hockey News.

From the moment he stepped behind the Penguins bench in mid-February, Bylsma encouraged an aggressive approach that meshed perfectly with the mentality of the team’s young core.

The 38-year-old from Grand Haven, Mich., led Pittsburgh to an 18-2-4 regular season finish, before repeating as Eastern Conference playoff champions and winning the Cup in a thrilling seven-game final over the Detroit Red Wings.

The architect of that Wings team, Ken Holland, earned our GM-of-the-year honors for his work in very nearly leading Detroit to back-to-back championships.

The Hockey News’ annual coach and GM accolades take into account both regular season and playoff performance.

Holland continued to show incredible acumen in his position, signing franchise cornerstone Henrik Zetterberg and power forward Johan Franzen to long-term, salary cap friendly deals and refusing to panic over the play of Chris Osgood when the veteran goalie stumbled badly during the regular season.

Also in the running for top GM honors were Ray Shero of the Penguins and Jim Rutherford for his work in patching together a Carolina roster that advanced to the East final.

Bylsma bested worthy coaching candidates Claude Julien, who guided Boston to the best regular season record in the East, and Chicago’s Joel Quenneville, who, like Bylsma, also showed great intuition working with a young, skill-laden squad.

In Play! magazine

Red Bull Air Races Windsor, Ontario

Photos from Friday morning trial runs.

More photos on our facebook page

The new June issue of In Play! magazine is out.

This month we take a look at the Red Bull Air Races. In Play! sat down for a one on one exclusive interview with Mike Mangold. Get his thoughts on the course and returning to Detroit.

Check out great articles on all the sports going on here in Detroit and Windsor including, the Pistons, the Shock's quest to defend their title, Tigers and a look at the QB situation over in Allen Park plus a whole lot more.

Also take a look at the Wings run for the Cup.

http://www.inplaymagazine.com/

Don't forget you can cut/paste this link and send it to all your sports buddies!

Sid the Kid, Just That...

Sid the Kid, Just That...

http://www.inplaymagaizne.com/


Well the Pittsburg Penguins goon squad was out in full force last night as the pesky Pens failed to tally a marker against the high flying Red Wings.

Sidney Crosby must grow a bit and do it fast or his team will be on the outside looking in for a second year in a row. Another Stanley Cup lose could prove detrimental to the Pens’ team during the off-season.

Last night’s game five was more of a circus side show from the defending Eastern conference champs than a match up.

The box score reads more like a laundry list of tips on “How to be a goon squad”.

Three 10-minute misconducts, three slashing penalties, elbowing, high sticking, interference with the goal keeper...12 penalties in all. It was reminiscent of game four in Chicago where the Black Hawks were in a constant parade to the sin bin with 16 penalties.

This is where “Sid the Kid” must stop being a kid and become a leader. The big “C” means leading by example and letting the wheels come off like last night’s train wreck is not the way to do it.

The most despicable act from last night’s game was Maxime Talbot’s slash on Pavel Datsyuk’s injured foot.

READ MORE